The half-brother of a country icon has been convicted of murder. A Denver court convicted Patrick Apostol for the 2020 shooting of guitarist Zackary Smith.
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They found Apostol guilty of second-degree murder. The incident happened on September 10, 2020. Police found the guitarist deceased outside of Apostol's house. Further investigation determined that Smith had been having an affair with Apostol's girlfriend. Apostol's robe tested for gunshot residue.
Police arrested him three years later, charging him with murder. Apostol is the half-brother of country icon, Billy Strings. Apparently, Apostol tried to play up his connection to his famous half-brother during the investigation and trial. He also claimed self-defense, according to Denver Westword.
However, the jury still found him guilty. Meanwhile, Strings has released his own state. He said that he didn't know his brother that much. Speaking with Whiskey Riff, he explained the two didn't really have a connection.
Country Icon's Half-Brother Convicted
He said, "He is my half brother, much older. I met him when I was like 12 years old and I went to Florida to meet my dad's side of the family. We didn't grow up together. I've probably seen him 50 times in my entire life."
He continued, "Patrick is a grown man and I have nothing to do with this situation other than having the same father. A father who I never knew. I was 2 years old when he died. I never helped Patrick with anything. I've literally only flown private like 3 times myself. I don't live a "lavish lifestyle" .. I'm a working musician who has been trying to get out from under the shadow of growing up in a family of outlaws and drug addicts my whole life."
Meanwhile, Apostol faces up to 48 years in prison. Following the verdict, Denver District Attorney John Walsh also released a statement.
He said, "Zackary Smith was a popular Denver musician. His murder on a September night over 5 years ago was a terrible tragedy for everyone who knew him and loved him, both in Denver and beyond. It was a night when the music died."
He continued, "Today's guilty verdict ensures that Patrick Apostol will pay a heavy price for his terrible and utterly senseless actions. The verdict won't bring Zackary back, but it offers a sense that justice has been served, and our thoughts go out to all of his friends and family."
